Many are familiar with Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and the magical tale of Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. This story has captivated audiences for centuries and can often be found in theaters all over the country during the holiday season. Ames is no different, as this timeless classic has been gracing the stage of Iowa State’s Fisher Theater every third winter for the last 25 years.

During its run on campus, “A Christmas Carol” has seen numerous student actors and crew members come and go, which has given the show a different energy each time it is performed. Though many have been involved over the years, director Jane Cox has been a staple in this production, giving it the same life and joy time and time again. 

Although this year’s show would not seem out of the ordinary to the average viewer, it holds great significance to Cox as it will be her final time directing “A Christmas Carol” since it was first brought to Iowa State’s campus 25 years ago.

Cox has been involved in nearly every aspect of theater during her time here at Iowa State including publicity work, costume design, teaching, directing and writing scripts. After first being asked to write a version of “A Christmas Carol” back in 1992, she expected to direct it once and be done with it.

“Initially, we planned to do it just once as a regular part of our season and people seemed to like it so much that we just thought we’ll do it once every three years,” Cox said.

“I tweak [the script] a little bit every year to try to make it better, but it’s still essentially the same version,” Cox said. “It’s a lot of work to do, that’s the reason we do it once every three years. There are about 50 cast members including 12 community children and the rest are all ISU students.”

Though the majority of people would assume that Cox would be bored after directing the same show for 25 years, Cox said that she enjoys it today just as much as she did the first time she directed it.

“I am going to retire from Iowa State at the end of this year and so this will be the last one,” Cox said. “I’ve done it many times and I’ve always really enjoyed doing it. 

“Many people have asked, ‘Don’t you get tired of doing the same thing?’ and the fact is that the cast is always different and they bring different things to it, different strengths and slightly different ways of looking at things,” Cox said. “Each show is not identical. It keeps changing and that’s a lot of fun.”

Cox also continues to love this show because of its timeless message and the fact that it takes viewers on an emotional journey.

“I like this show because it has a message that I believe in. Scrooge discovers that it’s never too late to change. You can look back over your life and the mistakes you’ve made … and see that it’s not too late, you can change from that,” Cox said.

“Another thing that I like about ‘A Christmas Carol’ is that there are so many different moods to it. There are extremely happy, fun parts and there are very sad touching parts,” Cox said.

“A Christmas Carol” also serves as a reminder to its viewers to slow down during the craziness that so often comes with the holiday season.

“I think a lot of times at holiday time people are caught up, including myself, in all there is to do, all of the hectic stuff,” Cox said.

“I don’t think that is when the true spirit of the holidays comes to you, when you’re running around trying to get everything done and feeling stressed. I think the real spirit comes in the quiet, reflective moments,” Cox said. “‘Christmas Carol’ can give that to people. They come out feeling refreshed and renewed and having felt the spirit of the holidays in them.”

Though Cox will always enjoy the message and period of reflection that accompanies this show, she says that the students are what she will miss most about directing “A Christmas Carol.”

“I’ll miss working with the students,” Cox said. “We’ve almost always have had great groups of people and people who are willing to work hard to make it the best show they can.”

“Ever since I’ve been a little kid, I’ve really loved working with a group of people … toward a common goal, and moving toward that goal. I absolutely will miss it,” Cox said.

Not only have the student actors that Cox has worked with had an impact on her, but she has most definitely had an impact on them.

Tyler Hupp, a senior in industrial design, plays Ebenezer Scrooge in this year’s production and credits Cox for her ability to lighten rehearsals and make sure that everyone has fun while also getting work done.

“Jane is a delight each and every time I get the chance to work with her,” Hupp said. “She always has a strong vision for her productions while also giving the actors her trust. She seems to be always smiling and giving feedback and suggestions, and she always brightens up my long production days.”

Jamie Steyer, a senior in journalism and mass communication, plays the Ghost of Christmas Past and agreed with Hupp, saying that it is evident that Cox creates a welcoming environment in the productions that she directs.

“Jane [Steyer] is amazing. She cares so, so much about everyone in her shows. Whether you have the largest part or don’t speak a line, she is thrilled to have you there and values any contribution you make to the show,” Steyer said. “She can see the value and talent in everyone … She really makes you feel like you’re family.”

As Cox enters her final few performances of this show, her students want her to know how much of an influence she has had on their theater experience.

“Jane [Steyer], you have made me feel welcomed every time I take part in the theatre department,” Steyer said. “You give all of yourself to every show and it really shows. I hope to someday be a part of something I am as passionate about as you are about theatre. You are an inspiration.”

Hupp added, “I am incredibly honored to be playing part in her final show of ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Iowa State, and she will be deeply missed by everyone at ISU. The department will never be the same without her.”

Although this production will mark Cox’s last time directing “A Christmas Carol” here at Iowa State, she will continue to work through the impact that she has had on her students and the happiness that her shows have brought to the people who have seen them.

ISU Theatre will be performing “A Christmas Carol” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9, at 1 p.m. Dec. 3 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 10. 

Tickets are $11 for students, $18 for adults and $16 for seniors. Tickets are available to purchase at the door or in advance in person at Stephens Auditorium or online via Ticketmaster.com.